The IPL semi-finals have been shifted from Bangalore to Navi Mumbai due to security reasons, the organisers announced on Sunday.
The decision was taken after two blasts took place at one of the gates of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium before and during Saturday's match between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore and unexploded bombs were found near the stadium.
The semi-finals are scheduled for April 21 and 22.
IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi said, "While reluctant to relocate the semi-finals at such short notice, yesterday's incidents have made it clear that the current environment in Bangalore prevents us from continuing with our original plans".
Modi also said that though the incidents were assessed by local police and IPL's security agency as being of a minor nature, they forced the move.
"The incidents were assessed by local police and the IPL s security agency as being of a minor nature but they have forced our hand. This decision is naturally disappointing for the people of Bengaluru but has been taken with the tournament s best interests, and the interests of its many varied stakeholders, in mind," he said.
"Despite this setback, we re confident the semi-finals and finals of DLF IPL 2010 will be successfully contested and provide a fitting finale to a remarkable tournament," he added.
Mumbai will now host the two semi-finals on April 21 and 22, the third place play off on April 24 and the IPL final on April 25.
Lalit Modi later said on his Twitter account that 100 per cent bought tickets will be refunded. "We will reimburse 100% of tickets bought. There is no question of not refunding everyone. Bangalore has always been our fav city," Modi tweeted.
"Bangalore police and Karnataka goverment have been most supportive. The decison to move was not easy. It was decided to keep movement at minimium," he said.
IPL semi-finals shifted to Navi Mumbai
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